Busted Gulch vol. 11

No Right to Ask - Ruechari

No Right to Ask

Strop gave Ronan a hand up "Wringing or no... We best go."

Jujube watch as Rue and Hunk argue, wishing he knew what was being said. He had no doubt whoever it was by the look on his face, Hunk wanted them dead. When he reached for the game room door the question of who wasn't a question anymore.

Rue looked around at the faces of her tribe and her embarrassment was hard to hide. Jujube wished he could stop her so they could talk but he knew Rue well enough to know she'd balk.

Instead, he watched her go up the stairs, and Big Hunk left to handle some affairs and so he was just left standing there.

Ronan couldn't believe this day, so close and now it's all gone away. The hotel, his job, and... sigh, Rue. He wanted to fix this but he didn't know how to.

Jujube wanted answers and went right to the source. He'd seen Rue's handprint across Ronan's face... Of course... "What did you do to deserve this?"

Ronan's eyes turned cold, "None of your business."

"When someone hurts Rue it is. You pull some scheme?"

Just then the three men heard her scream.

Ronan was up the stairs in a flash, the door was locked. He backed up and ran, full force, SMASH! He stumbled upon a scene, knife in hand, having no idea what she had planned. "Rue, what did you do?" he asked as watched sickened as the red blossomed through.

Rue let go of the knife, pain in her eyes, she asked, "You have a wife?"

Ronan said nothing. "I hate you!" said Rue. Her eyes rolled. There'd be no talk anymore. Ronan caught her moments before she hit the floor.

"Help! Somebody, Please!" He yelled out the door.

Jujube and Strop came barreling in, obviously not far behind him. Strop demands, "What the hell happened?"

Ronan couldn't say, he didn't know, exactly. Jujube pushed him away. Ronan made a move towards Rue, but Strop dragged him away, "You've caused enough trouble today."

Jujube picked up Rue in his arms, hating that once again she's come to harm. He knew it wasn't bad, he would have felt it if it had. Still, he had to work quick. He was grateful to discover it was just a nick.

He got her bandaged and stopped the blood. Damn Ronan, that cowboy's name was mudd. 

Rue began mumblin' and moanin', sat up straight, suddenly awake yelling ... "Ronan!" She looked around but all she could see was the worried expression on Jujube. "He's gone? He left?"

"Yes."

Rue flopped back down. Too much emotion, she felt she would drown. She turned away trying to hide her pain from Jujube. He got up and shut the door, walked across the floor gathering up Ruechari.

"You're hurting, you can't expect me not to see."

"I never learn. This pain I've earned. I have no one to blame but me."

"None of them deserve you anyway."

Rue cracked a sad smile, "Thanks, nice of you to say."

"So, what were you trying to do with the knife?"

"End its life." Rue pointed to the corset on the floor. "I won't be wearing that anymore."

Jujube gave her an endearing grin. "Good, because you look your best in your Native Buckskin. Not that you didn't look beautiful in that dress, just don't ever change just to try to impress."

"I wanted them to see me, as one of them. For one night I just wanted to be just someone... ordinary."

"You're extraordinary. That can't be hidden by any dress," he laid her down, he tucked her in, "Now, I think you should rest."

"Must you go?"

Jujube turns away from her, his eyes briefly closed, "Yes and the why, you already know."

"I know I'm asking too much of you, but I don't want to be alone tonight," said Rue.

Jujube turned and let out a groan. "You're killing me."

A night with Ruechari in his arms, even in sleep, give him a break... He knew he should not give in but he's only human.

Jujube got into bed. Rue snuggled in on his chest she laid her head. Jujube wrapped her up in his protective arms, wishing he could have kept her from such harm.

"You really should have just married me."

Grateful he didn't go. Rue burrowed in closer before saying, "I know."